Arkansas announces the addition of Robb Smith as defensive coordinator

CBS Sports | Feb 12

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema introduced Robb Smith as the Razorbacks next defensive coordinator on Monday, filling a position that has been vacant since Chris Ash's departure last month.

Smith spent four seasons on the Rutgers coaching staff, moving from special teams coordinator and linebackers coach up to defensive coordinator, before rejoining Greg Schiano in Tampa Bay as the Buccaneers' linebackers coach in 2013. His coaching career started as a graduate assistant at Iowa when Bielema was the Hawkeyes' linebackers coach.

"I've been able to watch Robb Smith grow in the profession, and I know he'll bring in an attacking defensive philosophy that is built specifically to stop offenses in the SEC," Bielema said Monday. "Robb has been promoted time and time again at every place he's been. With his background, he captivates a room no matter where he is and players gravitate towards him. He's demonstrated an understanding of what it takes to build a team into a championship program."

Smith replaces Chris Ash, who left for the same position at Ohio State last month. Bielema announced last week that Randy Shannon, former Miami head coach and linebackers coach for the Razorbacks in 2013, would be promoted to senior associate head coach.